Empowering the Next Generation: MakerGirl and PrintParts Bridge the STEM Gender Gap Through 3D Printing Education

Despite significant advancements in recent decades, women continue to face substantial underrepresentation across critical STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) industries, particularly in leadership roles within the technology sector. Historical data reveals a stark picture: in 1970, women constituted a mere 8% of the STEM workforce. While this number has seen some growth, it remained considerably low at just 27% by 2019. This persistent gender disparity not only limits individual opportunities but also deprives industries of diverse perspectives and untapped innovation. Addressing this imbalance requires concerted efforts, particularly at an early educational stage, to inspire and equip young girls with the skills and confidence to pursue STEM careers.

At the forefront of these efforts is MakerGirl, a New York City-based non-profit organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in STEM through innovative educational programs. Recognizing the power of hands-on learning and cutting-edge technology, MakerGirl has forged a pivotal partnership with PrintParts, a leading additive manufacturing company. This collaboration is specifically designed to introduce young girls to the fascinating world of 3D printing, fostering an early interest in a rapidly evolving technological field and providing them with tangible skills for the future. Through engaging programming, this initiative aims to demystify advanced technologies and make them accessible to a demographic historically marginalized in these areas.

MakerGirl’s Vision: Cultivating Future Innovators in STEM

MakerGirl’s core mission revolves around igniting curiosity and building confidence in young girls aged 7-10 years old, positioning them as creators and innovators rather than just consumers of technology. Their programs are meticulously designed to be not only educational but also inspiring, utilizing accessible technologies like 3D printing to teach fundamental STEM principles in a fun and interactive environment. The organization believes that by providing these foundational experiences, they can significantly influence girls’ educational and career trajectories, encouraging them to envision themselves in roles that contribute to scientific and technological advancements.

The challenges of 2020 presented unprecedented hurdles for many extra-curricular programs, necessitating a rapid pivot to remote learning solutions. MakerGirl successfully navigated this landscape, seamlessly transitioning their hands-on sessions to a virtual curriculum. This adaptation proved remarkably effective, not only maintaining engagement but also expanding their reach. In 2020 alone, MakerGirl provided an impressive 93 virtual sessions to 566 young girls across 28 states within the U.S., and extended their impact to an additional three countries. This success underscored the organization’s resilience and adaptability, proving that quality STEM education can transcend geographical boundaries.

Building on this momentum, MakerGirl has set an ambitious goal: to double its 2020 impact by providing educational programs to 1,000 girls in the upcoming period, all entirely free of charge. This commitment to accessibility ensures that financial barriers do not prevent enthusiastic young minds from exploring STEM. Mary Hadley, CEO of MakerGirl, emphasized the importance of their virtual offerings, stating, “Throughout this unprecedented time, MakerGirl has been able to create virtual educational experiences that have allowed girls to continue their STEM education outside of the classroom. During this transition to the new normal, MakerGirl will continue to grow, reach rural areas, and educate girls of all backgrounds. We are so grateful for PrintParts’ support to make this possible by providing scholarships for girls everywhere.” Her words highlight the dedication to inclusivity and the critical role of partnerships in achieving widespread impact.

Engaging Summer Sessions: Introduction to 3D Printing and Inventor Series

MakerGirl’s upcoming summer sessions, powered by the PrintParts partnership, offer two distinct curriculum levels tailored to different stages of engagement with 3D printing. These programs are meticulously crafted to provide a comprehensive and age-appropriate introduction to additive manufacturing concepts and practical application:

• Level 1: ‘Introduction to 3D Printing’ – This foundational level consists of virtual sessions spread throughout the summer. It’s designed for beginners, offering a gentle yet thorough introduction to the core principles of 3D printing. Girls will learn about the different types of 3D printers, the design process, and how to prepare their first digital models for physical creation. The virtual format ensures flexibility and accessibility, allowing participants from various locations to join and engage with the material at their own pace. Emphasis is placed on interactive learning, problem-solving, and sparking initial interest in design and engineering.
• Level 2: ‘Inventor Series’ – For those seeking a more intensive and immersive experience, the Inventor Series offers a week-long day camp. This advanced program delves deeper into 3D design and fabrication, challenging participants to conceptualize, design, and print more complex objects. Girls will explore advanced design software, learn about material properties, and engage in project-based learning that culminates in the creation of their own inventive solutions. The camp environment fosters collaboration, critical thinking, and provides a rich opportunity for hands-on experimentation, nurturing the creative spirit and engineering mindset.

PrintParts: Driving Innovation in Additive Manufacturing Solutions

The successful implementation of MakerGirl’s vision relies heavily on robust technological support, which is where PrintParts excels. Headquartered in Manhattan, New York, PrintParts is a state-of-the-art 3D manufacturing lab known for its comprehensive capabilities across the additive manufacturing spectrum. The company offers a wide array of services including rapid prototype production, creation of high-quality samples, and efficient small-batch production parts on-demand. Beyond manufacturing, PrintParts also provides invaluable expertise in design consulting and stringent quality assurance, ensuring that every project meets the highest standards.

PrintParts’ specialization extends across several cutting-edge additive technologies, allowing them to cater to diverse industrial needs. These technologies include:

• DLP – Digital Light Projection: Renowned for its speed and precision, DLP uses a digital light projector to cure liquid resin layer by layer, creating highly detailed parts with smooth surfaces. It’s ideal for intricate prototypes and small functional components.
• FFF – Composite Parts: Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) with composite materials allows for the production of parts with enhanced strength and stiffness. This method involves extruding continuous fibers (like carbon fiber or fiberglass) within a thermoplastic matrix, resulting in robust and lightweight components suitable for demanding applications.
• FDM – Thermoplastic Parts: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a widely recognized technology that builds parts layer-by-layer by extruding heated thermoplastic filament. It’s a versatile and cost-effective method for producing functional prototypes, tooling, and end-use parts from a broad range of engineering-grade plastics.
• SLA – High-Quality Parts: Stereolithography (SLA) is celebrated for its ability to produce exceptionally smooth and highly accurate parts. It uses a UV laser to selectively cure a vat of photopolymer resin, layer by layer, making it perfect for aesthetic models, intricate geometries, and applications requiring fine detail.
• SLS – Production Parts: Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a powerful technology that uses a laser to fuse powdered material (typically nylon or other polymers) into a solid structure. SLS parts are known for their excellent mechanical properties, durability, and the ability to produce complex geometries without support structures, making it a preferred choice for robust production parts and functional prototypes.

PrintParts’ corporate mission is clear: to help more customers efficiently print parts on-demand at a fraction of the cost, democratizing access to high-quality additive manufacturing. Their diverse technological portfolio and commitment to client success make them a formidable force in the 3D printing landscape.

A Synergistic Partnership: PrintParts Fuels MakerGirl’s Ambition

The collaboration between MakerGirl and PrintParts is a shining example of how industry leaders can significantly contribute to social impact initiatives. PrintParts’ commitment to MakerGirl extends beyond mere financial support; it encompasses comprehensive backing that directly enhances the quality and accessibility of the programs. Not only is PrintParts covering the program costs for participating students, effectively providing scholarships that eliminate financial barriers for aspiring young innovators, but they are also generously sponsoring all the necessary print services for the summer projects. This means that every girl enrolled in the program will have her 3D designs brought to life, experiencing the tangible results of her creativity and engineering efforts without any additional cost.

This level of support is transformative. It allows MakerGirl to focus on curriculum development and outreach, knowing that the logistical and material demands of 3D printing are expertly handled. Robert Haleluk, Co-Founder and CEO of PrintParts, eloquently expressed the company’s pride in this collaboration: “The MakerGirl program is something that we are proud to support, and we hope to see more of. As a father of young daughters, and one who will be participating in the program, it’s empowering for them to be exposed to STEM programs at such a young age and learn from other brilliant women.” His personal connection to the cause, combined with his professional expertise in additive manufacturing, underscores a deep-seated belief in the program’s potential. This partnership is not just about corporate social responsibility; it’s about investing in the future of innovation by nurturing diverse talent from the ground up.

The Future of STEM: Nurturing the Next Generation of Innovators

The partnership between MakerGirl and PrintParts represents a powerful model for bridging critical gaps in STEM education and fostering a more inclusive technological future. By introducing young girls to 3D printing—a technology that epitomizes creativity, problem-solving, and practical application—these organizations are not just teaching a skill; they are igniting a passion and opening doors to countless possibilities. Early exposure to such advanced yet accessible technologies can be a defining moment for many, shaping their interests and encouraging them to pursue fields they might otherwise perceive as unapproachable or male-dominated.

The long-term implications of initiatives like this are profound. A more diverse STEM workforce leads to more innovative solutions, better problem-solving, and a broader reflection of societal needs in technological development. By empowering girls to see themselves as future engineers, designers, scientists, and innovators, MakerGirl and PrintParts are contributing to a richer, more equitable, and more dynamic future for everyone. Their combined efforts are a testament to the idea that with dedicated support and engaging educational experiences, the persistent gender gap in STEM can indeed be closed, one inspired girl at a time.

You can find out more information about MakerGirl and PrintParts’ partnership HERE. We encourage you to learn more about this impactful collaboration. What do you think about PrintParts’ sponsorship and the broader mission of MakerGirl? Let us know your thoughts in a comment below or connect with us on our Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages! Stay informed about the latest developments in 3D printing and educational initiatives by signing up for our free weekly Newsletter here, delivered straight to your inbox!

*Thumbnail Photo Credits: MakerGirl